hollow out
Take out the inside of something to make it empty, or slowly make something weaker and emptier
Meanings
To remove the interior of a physical object to create an empty space inside it
"He hollowed out a large log to make a rustic planter for the garden."
To gradually weaken, undermine, or deplete an institution, economy, or community of its substance or vitality
"Decades of outsourcing have hollowed out the manufacturing sector in this region."
To make someone feel emotionally empty or drained
"The grief had hollowed her out until she felt nothing at all."
Used literally for physical objects (hollow out a pumpkin) and figuratively for institutions, arguments, or emotions (the policy hollowed out the middle class). The figurative use is more common in journalism and political commentary.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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